According to a new report from the United Nations, the rights of women are declining around the world, with women currently holding just 64% of the legal rights that men are afforded globally.
The report indicates that despite significant progress over the years, women and girls are still not recognized as equals to men under legal systems anywhere on the planet.
The document titled ‘Ensuring and Strengthening Access to Justice for All Women and Girls’ highlights that legislative changes are being made to constrict women’s rights, suppress their voices, and facilitate abuse without accountability.
It further emphasizes that the systems in place to protect women and girls are failing them.
The report warns that the acceleration against gender equality is leaving women and girls vulnerable to abuse, injustices, and a lack of consequence for perpetrators.
International Women’s Day 2026 has drawn attention to the critical need to bridge the justice gap for women around the globe.
This year’s observance brings to light fundamental issues: disparities within justice frameworks across the world. The report starkly notes that in over half of the countries globally, laws concerning rape do not incorporate consent as a prerequisite.
Moreover, it reveals that nearly 75% of nations still permit forced marriages for young girls, stripping them of their childhood, educational opportunities, and future prospects.
Furthermore, 44% of countries lack laws that guarantee equal compensation for equal work.
About 54% of nations do not have definitions of rape that are based on consent.
In many regions, obstacles still impede women from owning property, pursuing divorce, passing citizenship to their offspring, or enjoying mobility without needing consent from their husbands.
UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous stated that when justice is denied to women and girls, the repercussions extend far beyond individual cases.
“Public faith diminishes, institutions become less credible, and the rule of law itself deteriorates. A justice system that fails to serve half the population cannot be seen as just,” Bahous remarked.
The report acknowledges some progress, noting that 87% of countries have enacted laws against domestic violence in recent times, and over 40 nations have improved constitutional protections for women and girls in the last ten years.
Despite these advancements, the report underlines that mere laws do not suffice.
“Survivors frequently encounter stigma, economic barriers, fear, and a lack of faith in institutions designed to protect them. Consequently, justice remains elusive for many.”
On the contrary, the report observes concerning regressions. In several areas, rights that had previously been secured are now being undone, while new forms of violence, including digital abuse, are rising.
The report states, “For the 676 million women and girls residing within 50 kilometers of active conflict zones, justice systems are predominantly ineffective, and wrongdoers act without fear of repercussions.”
Weaponized rape remains prevalent in warfare, with reported incidents of sexual violence climbing by 87% over two years.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized, “Women's rights are human rights, and investing in women and girls is one of the most effective means of enhancing the global situation.”
Therefore, International Women’s Day should serve as not only a time for reflection but also a call to mobilize action, according to Guterres.
“When women cannot claim equality under the law, true equality is non- existent. Ensuring justice for women and girls is vital for establishing just and resilient societies everywhere. The time to take action is now,” he affirmed.
Guterres urged support for UN Women and women’s movements globally to help transform rights into reality for every woman and girl.
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